More than 100 Philippine-based organizations under the Stop the War Coalition Philippines join the rest of the world in condemning the Israeli military assault on the humanitarian mission, Freedom Flotilla. The Flotilla's six ships were on their way to deliver humanitarian aids—including medicines and school and construction supplies—to the blockaded Palestinians living in destitute conditions on Gaza strip. The attack which was made on international waters 65 kilometers off the Coast of Gaza and the detention of passengers after the Israeli forces dragged the ships to the port of Ashdod constitute what can be called state-sponsored terrorism that has no place in civilized society.

Despite the claims being made by the Israeli government, we believe that this military action, commando style, which took place on the early morning of May 31, was clearly—as shown in media reports and footages—unjustified and unprovoked. The Turkish government called it “state terrorism.” The Turkish-registered ship, Mavi Marmara, was the largest vessel in the flotilla, with some 600 delegates that included peace activists, volunteers, and Nobel laureate and European legislators. The international community is one in denouncing the attack and in holding the Israeli government responsible. Ambassadors from the 27 European Union countries condemned the incident on behalf of their governments. The United Nations permanent Security Council members—Britain, France, Russia and China—called for an independent inquiry and for the lifting of the Israeli blockade of Gaza, which began in 2008.

The flotilla was indeed the international community's response to the long-running inhumane Israeli embargo on the Palestinian people. The world is no longer standing idly while 1.5 million civilians in Gaza live in destitution and deprivation as a result of the siege and blockade. The world is no longer keeping quiet about the Israeli government’s arrogance and utter disregard for human rights and international diplomacy as it continues to engage in actions that reveal a pattern of systematic assault against innocent men, women and children.

We hold liable the Israeli government and seek justice for the deaths, injuries and human rights violations that resulted from its military attack on Freedom Flotilla!
We demand an end to the Israeli blockade in Gaza!